Clematis can grow in ABQ in the right location

Q: Growing at my grand-mother’s home in California, she had trellis filled with clematis. They trained to grow up the supports of the covered porch and got quite a bit of sun every day. Can I grow these lovely plants here in the Albuquerque area? — M.G., Albuquerque

A: I have had the pleasure of watching clematis grow here at a home in the near North Valley.

I was always enamored by them when they were in bloom, just spectacular. One had purple blooms and the other a brilliant white flower. Each bloom was about the size of a small salad plate so they made a stunning display.

I was taught one important thing about growing clematis. They require their “feet” in the shade, and their “heads” in the sun. Meaning, you’ll want to pick a spot that will offer sunlight during the day for the above ground growth. Then you will want to shade the soil where you have the clematis planted. The simplest way to shade the soil is to lay flagstone so it’ll sit loosely surrounding the plant.

I know I said I’d been taught the “heads” need the sun, but I’d be a bit cautious and aim to plant where the clematis would get lots of morning sun and then some late afternoon sun. The sun’s hot rays full strength nowadays might be too much in order for you to grow and keep a healthy clematis.

Remember that most varieties will need something to grow up on and be supported by. Reading I’ve learned that they prefer good draining, yet fertile soil. No hardpan, impossible to keep moist type of soil for these plants.

Also, don’t consider clematis drought tolerant at all. They will/do require consistent waterings and should never be allowed to dry out especially while in flower. I read that they will grow best if offered applications of a liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season as they are heavy feeders.

Just remember feet in the shade, some sun for their heads, a good support system, and you too can grow these remarkable plants here.

Q: We’re new here and while we were talking to new acquaintances about growing a vegetable garden plot in our backyard, they mentioned planting the “Three Sisters” in our young garden. We didn’t want to seem dense, so we smiled and nodded. So our question is what are the Three Sisters? — N.K., Albuquerque

A: Three Sisters are three types of veggie garden plants, that when grown together, have a lot of beneficial aspects for each other. Corn, beans and squash make up the trio.

First the corn. It’ll grow tall, offering a trellis for the pole beans to trail up.

The beans absorb nitrogen from the air and in turn place it back in the soil, offering everyone better nutrition.

The squash, with its big leaves, shade the soil, helping to keep the water you’re going to offer from rapid evaporation. Also, most squash leaves are sort of spiny, so wee critters are less likely to invade and damage the plantings.

The history of planting the Three Sisters is age-old and since it has worked forever, give it a try and enjoy the results. It’s a fun way to get a new garden started so you feel successful.

Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson St. NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.